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Firefighter Salary in Kearney, NE

How much does a firefighter make in Kearney? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Kearney's cost of living.

Median Salary
$42,566
per year in Kearney
Entry Level
$25,686
Starting salary
Senior Level
$60,180
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Kearney.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,686$42,566$60,180
Monthly$2,141$3,547$5,015
Biweekly$988$1,637$2,315
Weekly$494$819$1,157
Hourly$12$20$29

Kearney vs National Average

How Kearney's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Kearney Salary
$42,566
COL Index: 86
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,794
Lower in Kearney

Cost of Living in Kearney

1-Bedroom Rent
$750
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
34,566
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Kearney have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+147%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+133%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+107%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+41%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Kearney, NE — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Kearney, NE is $42,566 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Kearney's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Kearney can expect to earn around $25,686 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $60,180 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Kearney's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Kearney are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Kearney typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $750 per month, housing represents about 21.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Kearney, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.